With 19,000 registered participants, the Nice 2026 international half-marathon is fully booked. The event entails an extensive traffic management plan. Numerous closures are scheduled starting Saturday evening and continuing throughout Sunday, particularly along the coast and in the city center.
The Nice international half-marathon takes place this Sunday, April 19, 2026. The event will gather 19,000 participants. This edition is fully booked. Attendance is up compared to the previous year. In 2025, 17,500 runners participated over the entire weekend.
As every year, this influx requires reinforced organization. The traffic management plan is expected to be extensive and will affect several major areas of the city of Nice. Authorities are urging residents to anticipate travel.
The Promenade des Anglais is the main impacted axis. Its closure will occur in both directions over large time blocks. Some restrictions will start as early as Saturday, April 18, in the evening. The Quai des États-Unis, Avenue Max Gallo, and Avenue de Verdun are also affected. Several adjacent streets will be dead-ended, with limited access for residents.
The city center will be directly affected. Place Masséna, Vieux-Nice, and the quays will experience extensive closures, as will the port area. To the west, the districts of Magnan and Carras are concerned. The Magnan tunnel and some sections of the Corniche Molinier promenade are closed.
An extensive traffic management plan throughout the day
On Sunday, April 19, the first restrictions will begin as early as 4 a.m. They will continue until 4:30 p.m. in several areas. Traffic will be halted on many main roads.
In the center, the closure notably includes the Promenade des Anglais, between Avenue Max Gallo and Boulevard Gambetta. Boulevard Jean Jaurès is partially closed according to staggered schedules. Avenue Félix Faure, Avenue de Verdun, and Avenue de Suède are also affected in the late morning.
In the western sector, traffic will be interrupted from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. over a large portion of the seafront. The Magnan tunnel is closed. Several perpendicular roads will become dead-ends. Access remains authorized for residents via secondary routes.
The port sector will also experience restrictions. Quais Lunel and Papacino are closed between 5:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Several adjacent streets are affected. Access to Vieux-Nice remains possible via the descente Crotti. Exits are limited according to specific time slots.
No closure of the A8 motorway is announced. However, heavy pressure is expected at the interchanges. Exit n°50 towards Nice could be particularly busy. Authorities recommend using the Mathis way for crossings.
Parking and parking lots
Parking will be prohibited on many roads starting Saturday, April 18, at 8:30 p.m. This prohibition includes the Promenade des Anglais, Avenue Max Gallo, and Quai des États-Unis. The measure remains in place until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Several parking lots will be affected. Some will only be accessible for exit. Others will be completely closed during defined time slots. Sulzer, Ruhl Méridien, and Saleya parking lots will face access restrictions. Masséna and Plaza parking lots are closed between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. The Port Lympia parking lot is inaccessible between 5:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cycling paths along the coast will also be neutralized. The closure will start as early as Saturday morning on some sections and will continue until Sunday afternoon.
A sporty morning by the sea
Starts and finishes will be located on the Promenade des Anglais, in front of the Albert 1st garden and Théâtre de Verdure. The program will span the morning. The half-marathon will start at 8 a.m. The 5 km race will begin at 11 a.m. The 10 km race will start at noon.
The event offers several formats. The half-marathon covers 21.1 kilometers. 10 km and 5 km races are also planned. There are routes dedicated to families and children.
For residents, the day requires adaptation. Travel to the coast and the center should be avoided. Public transport, especially the tramway, is recommended.
